Without naming any names, can you think of a writer or book that’s annoyed you for all the right reasons? What about the wrong ones?
Now think about those two examples together. What was it about the one that worked while the other one didn’t? Got your answer? Chances are, it all came down to the way the stories were presented.
If a reader’s annoyance stems from awkward writing, flat characters, or story problems that don’t make sense to them, they’re going to put the book down and never return.
But, if they’re annoyed because something about the story is hitting a nerve, it’s likely because that annoyance resonates with some sort of conflict they’re already wrestling with, have been witness to, or it’s pointing to an issue they might be doing their best to avoid.
Done carefully, respectfully, and thoughtfully, these “annoyances” have the chance of sticking with the reader and causing them to ponder what it was about the story that unsettled them long after the story has ended. And it may cause them to consider if there is some sort of change they’re needing in their life.
After all, isn’t that why we write? Because we want to explore aspects of life that we’d like to see changed for the better in the world we live in?
The question often remains: Are we as writers presenting that problem/solution effectively in our writing? Or are we in such a rush to publication that we’re missing out on a golden opportunity to play a part in something that brings about lasting change?
How do I know if I’m creating needed conflict or unnecessary annoyance in my story?
If you’re not sure if you’re creating needed conflict or unnecessary annoyances, here are a few questions you can try asking yourself:
- Is this scene/action/reaction driving the story forward toward the final resolution or am I stalling the plot?
- Are my characters responding in a way that is natural to their personalities based on their past experiences (both seen and unseen in the story)?
- Is the situation/response similar in tone/feel to something we might experience in real life? Or am I asking my readers to completely suspend disbelief?
- Am I conveying the scene clearly, or is it weighed down with unnecessary words or awkward punctuation?
Having someone who is further removed from your story—and who understands the art of storytelling—can help you decide whether the little (or big) annoyances are working for or against your vision for your story.
If you’re feeling stuck with your WIP and are in need of some developmental help, having a trusted critique partner or beta readers who can offer you an outside perspective that’s more akin to what your future readers’ experience would be can be of great help in deciding how to best move forward with little tweaks or larger changes.
If you’re at a point where you’re in need of more professional help, I’d love to chat with you. Whether it’s characterization, dialogue, or overall structure, I can help you pinpoint what’s working well with your story and what’s preventing it from being the masterpiece you know it can be.
—Jen